Belle River defenceman Aaron Ekblad was third in the mid-term rankings and moved up to second in Tuesday’s final rankings, but the Barrie Colts defenceman knows there’s still a chance he could be No. 1.

The NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau released its final rankings leading up to the June 27 and 28 NHL Draft in Philadelphia and the six-foot-four, 216-pound Ekblad sits second behind Kingston Frontenacs forward Sam Bennett among North American skaters.

“I’ve been in the range of one-three for the whole year,” the 18-year-old Ekblad said. “It’s interesting to look at (the rankings), but in the end, it’s all about what a team needs and wants come draft day and none of the players on the list can control that. Therefore, my focus is solely on the Barrie Colts and this playoff run.”

The last area player to go No. 1 overall in the NHL Draft was Windsor’s Ed Jovanovski, who was taken with the top pick by the Florida Panthers in 1994.

“As far as I’m concerned, (Ekblad) is the best defenceman in the draft,” said scout Chris Edwards, who covers Ontario for the NHL’s Central Scouting Bureau. “Whoever’s is picking first, if they want a defenceman, he’s the guy. There’s no doubt he’s the best defenceman available.”

Ekblad was one of three local players to make the list while three members of the Windsor Spitfires and a potential prospect also made the final rankings.

Spitfires forward Josh Ho-Sang slipped four spots from the mid-term rankings to No. 22 on the final list. The 18-year-old Ho-Sang was suspended 15 games by the OHL Monday for a push on London defenceman Zach Bell that resulted in a broken leg.

“He’s had some consistency issues, but I’ve never had any concerns about his skill set or hockey ability,” Edwards said of Ho-Sang. “The skill set is there (but) you watch some nights and he has first- or second-star potential. Other nights, you don’t know if he even dressed. It’s not that unusual at that age, but at some point you have to pull it together and learn how to be a pro and be ready.”

Spitfires draft pick Nick Schmaltz remains No. 19 on the final list. Playing in the United States Hockey League, Schmaltz is committed to the University of North Dakota next year, but could end up in Windsor if he’s signed by an NHL team after the draft.

“He’s still in that (first) round,” Edwards said.

Windsor native and former Spitfires forward Hunter Smith was the biggest mover in the final rankings.

“It wouldn’t shock me to see him go higher,” Edwards said of the six-foot-seven, 208-pound Smith.

The Oshawa Generals forward, who is the nephew of former Spitfire player and head coach Brad Smith, finished at No. 39 in the final rankings after sitting at No. 140 in the mid-term rankings.

“It’s very humbling to see my hard work be recognized,” Hunter said. “I’ve come a long way from last year and even the start of this year.

“Obviously, it’s exciting to see my name that high on the list, but on draft day, it’s just a list and hopefully I am fortunate enough to get picked. Right now, I’m focused on helping my team make it deeper in the playoffs.”

Spitfires rookie forward Ryan Foss, who was passed over twice in the OHL Draft, moved up eight spots to No. 91 in the final rankings.

“He won’t be a guy to bring you out of your seat, but he does all the little things that help win games,” Edwards said.

Spitfires second-year defenceman Patrick Sanvido, who did not make the mid-term list, is No. 140 on the final list for North American skaters.

“I’m very happy to see my name on that list,” Sanvido said. “It was an up-and-down season and to see my there by the end of it, especially after not being on the mid-term one, means a lot.”

Edwards said he was impressed with how Sanvido handled the extra workload when Windsor lost defencemen Slater Koekkoek and Trevor Murphy to injuries.

“I think he’s got a chance to be a pro,” Edwards said. “If a guy that size uses his size and doesn’t try do too much and just moves the puck, they’re effective.”

Tecumseh goaltender Matthew Mancina, who plays for the Guelph Storm, is ranked 12

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